Behind the Mask

The stranger

Charles Pov

The next morning

I had this sick feeling in my gut. I believe in my sister, but I am not yet ready for her to see the terrible things my parents have done. My only reasons to go along with it because one, I want to be King, two, I want to protect my sister Elizabeth, and I am worried about what would happen if she learned the truth. She would be devastated. I don’t care about my life, but my sister, I do. I am doing my best to help my people, but I can only do so much right now. I reach my sister’s door, and the sickening feeling is growing. I force a smile on my face so she won’t have to worry. I knock on the door. “Elizabeth, it is time for court,” I said loud enough to be heard, though. But no answer. I knock a little louder. But still no response. I open the door slowly with a hand on my sword. The room is cold, so the window was open; the bed had not been slept in, and then I noticed it a lotus painted silver on my sister’s desk with a note.  The note read…

“ Dear King Nicholas and Queen Victora,

Greetings. By now, you know your precious daughter is missing. We have your daughter, and when you are ready for her to come back, we will be ready to make our demands known. Best do it quickly before we decide to hurt her in some way.

Sincerely,

The Silver Lotus”

I ran out of the room in a panic and ran to the throne room. I swung the doors open. Where my parents were, and I knelt in front of them. “ What is the meaning of this, Charles!? This better be an emergency!” My mother yells at me.

“The Silver Lotus took Elizabeth! They took her last night! We have to do something!” I said to my parents and handing them the letter to read. I know they don’t care for Elizabeth, but I hope they care enough about her to do something.

“ And you are panicked over this? Actually, those kidnappers did us a favor by taking her.” My mother said with no remorse.

“ How could you say that!? She is your daughter!” I yelled at my mother.

“Think about it this way. If you prove to be disloyal, we can then easily give the title to Alexandrea, and Elizabeth will be out of the way to claim the crown. Next time you yell at me, you will be sorry!” she told me.

“Yes, mother,” I told her, and I left the room. I have to get ahold of the silver Lotus and find a way to get her to safety. Even if it is not here.” 

Elizabeth pov

I woke up to water being splashed on me. I snapped my eyes open. It was dark. I couldn't see, and it was cold. My guess on where I was would be a cave. “ Finally awake, I see. Took you long enough.” A voice said

“ Show yourself, coward!” I yelled

“ Now, now, that is not very princess-like now is?” He said

“ and it is not gentlemen like stealing girls out of their homes, is it?” I said back

“Witty, aren’t we now? Tell me, Princess, why haven’t your parents contacted me or came searching for you?” He asked me. I thought about answering his question, but I won’t make it easy for him.

“ Gee, I wish I could answer that for you, but I don’t think you know this, but you kidn*pped. So I don’t have that kind of information.”  I told him 

“ Cute, Lizzy, but I forgot to tell you, you are working for food and water now. If you want to be kept alive, you will answer my questions.”

“ My name is not Lizzy! It is Elizabeth, but for you, it is Princess Elizabeth, and I won't be answering your questions until I know who you are and what you want from me!” 

“ You see, Lizzy, a person can’t survive 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food. The next few days are going to be rough. I am guessing you have never been without food. Welcome to your kingdom, princess.” It sounds like he was leaving.

“ Could I get your name at least, or should I call you pig.”

“ Now that really isn’t princess-like. My name is for you to find out for a different time. Rest well, Lizzy.” he chucks and walks away. What a jerk! May he die a thousand deaths!